CSW General

Growing up in his native Haiti, Nelson Jean Francois knew he enjoyed helping others and contributing to his community. At the State University of Haiti majoring in social work seemed a natural choice. He worked with children during his internship, but also wished to continue his education in social work. Without an option for a master’s degree in social work, he began graduate studies in the area of development science working to empower people and improve engagement and participation in community-building and projects.

The Center for the Study and Promotion of Communities, Families and Children at the FSU College of Social Work has teamed up with the Community Foundation for Palm Beach Counties and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County to tackle pandemic-related mental health challenges for local children and adolescents.

This spring the Northeast Unit of the National Association of Social Workers, Florida Chapter celebrated its local social workers and their contributions to the profession and community. Shamara D. Gibson, a two-time Florida State University graduate and chair of the Northeast Unit, was presented with the highest honor as 2022 NASW-FL Social Worker of the Year for the Northeast Unit for her exemplary leadership and mentorship. 

Online MSW student Ariana Giampietro was recently featured as a finalist for FSU’s 2022 Graduate Student Excellence in Visual Arts Award. Her painting “Psychedelic Newts (For Aaron),” inspired by Florida’s Big Shoals State Park, was featured in an exhibit of participating students’ work in the Honors, Scholars and Fellows House at Florida State University’s main campus.

This spring the FSU Alumni Association held an event to commemorate the latest recipients of the Grads Made Good Awards, co-presented by the Alumni Association and the Seminole Circle of Florida State University’s Omicron Delta Kappa, a national leadership honor society.

On Friday, April 29th the College of Social Work celebrated the graduation of 196 graduates including 57 BSWs, 137 MSWs and doctoral graduates Jessica Bagneris and Aidan Ferguson. The drop-in event was held in the College of Social Work lobby and classrooms featuring refreshments, commemorative items and photo opportunities for graduates and their guests along with faculty and staff.

Juanita Martinez found her purpose through her battle with depression, which began a journey of healing and self-discovery. More than 50% of people in their lifetime will experience a mental health challenge, according to the Center for Disease Control, and the diagnosis still carries a stigma.

Ohio State University (OSU) has appointed Dr. David A. Jenkins (PhD, 1992) as the dean of the College of Social Work. Jenkins’ appointment is effective July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027.

The staff of the FSU Florida Institute for Family Violence Studies (IFVS) at the College of Social Work were awarded the 2022 Meyer Elkin Essay Award by the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC).